The Plant Hanger With Beads Woven Into the Braid
Last updated: August 9, 2026
A Note from Nicole
Most macramé plant hangers are built from the same handful of knots repeated straight down. This one isn't. Each of the four straps carries a braided wave-knot texture with beads set into it at regular intervals, and that single change is what makes the finished piece read as modern rather than traditionally boho.
It looks considerably harder than it is. There's exactly one new knot to learn — the wave knot in Step 2 — and once your hands understand it, the rest of the strap is that same motion repeated. The basket underneath is plain square knots, which most makers already know.
I've also put the cord maths in this one properly, because it's the question I get most about plant hangers and almost nobody answers it in a way you can reuse on a different project.
A braided macramé plant hanger (also called a wave knot plant hanger, modern beaded plant hanger, or braided-strap hanger) is a hanging planter holder whose support straps are built from repeating wave knots — a braided, sculptural knot that wraps a weaving cord around a set of anchor cords — rather than the plain spiral or square knot columns used in traditional plant hangers. Beads are threaded onto the weaving cord at set intervals, typically every third knot, to add rhythm and contrast. This pattern uses 4mm hollow braided cotton cord in two colours, finishes at approximately 9 inches wide by 33 inches long, and holds a standard 5–6 inch plant pot.
Quick Answer
- What you'll make: A modern plant hanger with four braided wave-knot straps, 36 beads set on a rhythm, and a square-knot basket.
- Skill level: Beginner to lower-intermediate. One new knot (the wave knot); the rest is square knots you likely know.
- Time: 2–3 hours across three phases.
- Finished size: 9" wide × 33" long. Fits a 5–6" pot.
- Cord: 4mm hollow braided cotton in two colours — Buttercream as the base, Natural & Gold as the accent.
- The satellite question this post answers: how much cord a plant hanger actually needs, and the formula to work it out for any project.
🎥 Watch the video first. The wave knot in Step 2 involves a curve-and-wrap motion that is much easier to see than to read.
What's in this tutorial
- What makes this plant hanger different
- Materials you'll need
- How much cord does a plant hanger need?
- Where the beads go (the every-third rule)
- Project details at a glance
- Watch the video tutorial
- Phase 1: The braided straps (Steps 1–3)
- Phase 2: The basket (Steps 4–6)
- Phase 3: Finishing (Steps 7–8)
- Which pots fit
- Ways to customize it
- Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
- Try these next
- FAQ
What Makes This Plant Hanger Different
Most plant hangers repeat one or two standard knots straight down the length of each strap — usually spirals or plain square knots. That works, and it looks like every other plant hanger.
This one uses a wave knot instead. The weaving cord curves around a bundle of anchor cords and wraps back through itself, producing a braided, slightly three-dimensional texture running the full length of each strap. Beads are threaded onto that weaving cord every third knot, so they sit inside the braid rather than being strung between plain sections.
The result reads as modern and sculptural rather than traditionally boho — and it uses two cord colours, so the accent cord traces visibly through the braid. If you want the classic beaded version instead, the square-knot plant hanger with beads covers that.
Materials You'll Need
4mm Hollow Braided Cord
Two colours — Buttercream as the base, Natural & Gold as the accent. Hollow braided holds the wave shape.
💡 One thing not pictured: a 5–6 inch plant pot. Worth having it beside you from Step 4 — you'll want to test the fit before committing to the basket spacing.
Why hollow braided cord? It's flexible enough to curve cleanly into the wave shape but holds its form once tightened. Single-strand cord flattens out and loses the braided look. Read the complete guide to selecting macramé cord for the full comparison. Supplies also ship from our Amazon US and Amazon Canada storefronts.
How Much Cord Does a Plant Hanger Need?
This is the question I'm asked most about plant hangers, and it's rarely answered in a way you can reuse. So here's both — the exact cut list for this project, and the formula behind it.
The cut list for this hanger
| Colour | Length | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttercream (base) | 380 cm (149") | 4 strands | Long anchor cords through the straps |
| Buttercream (base) | 200 cm (79") | 4 strands | Short anchor cords |
| Buttercream (base) | 50 cm (20") | 2 strands | Gathering knots, top and bottom |
| Natural & Gold (accent) | 380 cm (149") | 2 strands | The weaving cords that form the wave knots |
Total: about 30 metres. A 100m roll makes roughly three hangers, using two colours.
The formula, for any plant hanger
The rule most makers use is 4× the finished length per cord, then folded in half — so each cut strand gives you two working cords at roughly double the finished length.
But that rule assumes plain knots. Adjust it for how much cord your knot actually eats:
| Knot style | Multiplier | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain / open sections | 3× | Very little cord consumed |
| Square knots | 4× | The standard baseline |
| Spiral (half knot) | 5× | Twisting eats more cord than it looks |
| Wave / braided knots | 5–6× | The weaving cord wraps continuously |
Worked example — this hanger. Finished length 33 inches (84 cm). The weaving cords do the wave knots, so they take the higher multiplier:
- 84 cm finished × 4.5 (mixed wave and square) ≈ 380 cm → the long cords
- Anchor cords sit passive through the straps and consume far less, so they cut shorter at 200 cm
- Gathering cords wrap in place: about 50 cm each, regardless of hanger length
💡 Two rules that save projects: always cut generously — you can trim excess, you cannot add cord mid-strap. And when in doubt, go up a multiplier. Running out three-quarters of the way down a strap means restarting it entirely.
Where the Beads Go (the Every-Third Rule)
The 36 beads aren't placed randomly. They follow a every third wave knot rhythm: two knots plain, one knot with a bead, repeat. That regularity is what makes the straps look designed rather than decorated.
Per strap that works out to 9 beads, across four straps for 36 total. Threading happens mid-knot — you slide the bead onto the weaving cord as you shape the loop, before you tighten. Adding beads after the fact isn't possible; the knot has to close around them.
If you want a different look: every second knot gives a denser, more ornate strap (needs about 54 beads). Every fourth gives a sparser, more minimal one (about 27). Whatever you choose, keep it identical across all four straps — mismatched rhythms are the fastest way to make a hanger look accidental.
Project Details at a Glance
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner to lower-intermediate ★★★☆☆ |
| Time | 2–3 hours |
| Finished size | 9" wide × 33" long |
| Fits | Standard 5–6" plant pot |
| Cord | 4mm hollow braided cotton, 2 colours (~30 m) |
| Beads | 36 × 10mm, 5mm hole |
| Knots | Wave knot, square knot, alternating square knot, gathering knot |
Watch the Video Tutorial
The wave knot is the one worth watching before you start:
▶ Watch full-screen on YouTube →
Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial
Eight steps across three phases. Phase 1 is the bulk of the work; the last two phases move quickly.
The Braided Straps
Steps 1-3 mount the cords and build the four braided wave-knot straps with beads. This is the distinctive part and the bulk of the work.
Mount the cords on the wooden ring
- Fold the six 380 cm cords (four base color and two accent color) in half and mount them onto the wooden ring, then repeat with the four 200 cm base-color cords. Check that all cord ends are even before continuing.
- Gather all the cords directly beneath the ring and use one 50 cm cord to tie a gathering knot around the bundle.
- Thread the working end through the loop, pull the top tail to hide the ends inside the wraps, and tighten the knot securely.
- Trim the excess cord to create a clean, finished top for the Beaded Plant Hanger.
Build the first braided strap
- Divide the cords into four groups. Each group should have two long base cords, two short base cords, and one accent weaving cord, then set the remaining groups aside while you work on one at a time.
- Position the two long base cords over the two shorter base cords so they stay visible on top, then place the accent weaving cord behind the bundle.
- Bend the doubled base cords into a curve to the left, bring the weaving cord up through the center, shape the right loop, slide on a bead, then wrap the weaving cord around the anchor cords and through the loop to complete the first wave knot.
- Tighten the knot gently, keeping an even tension so the wave shape stays defined rather than collapsing.
Check the orientation of all four columns
- Before making the basket, arrange all four braided columns so they face outward in the same direction.
- Make sure the beaded sides are facing upward and outward to create a consistent look around the plant hanger.
- Taking a moment to align the columns now will give the finished Beaded Plant Hanger a cleaner, more polished appearance.
All four straps braided
The hardest part is done. Four straps, 36 beads, every wave knot behind you.
The basket goes much faster.
The Basket
Steps 4-6 use alternating square knots to turn four separate straps into a cradle that holds the pot.
Start the basket with square knots under each column
- Starting at the bottom of one braided column, place the accent weaving cord in the center and group it with two nearby base cords to create three center anchor cords.
- Use the outer cords to tie a square knot around the three anchor cords, then repeat this step for the remaining three braided columns.
- When finished, each of the four straps should have one square knot at its base, forming the start of the basket.
Connect the columns with the first row of alternating square knots
- Take two neighboring columns and, about 3 inches below the first row of square knots, use two base cords from each column to tie a connecting square knot.
- Repeat this process around the plant hanger, keeping the spacing as even as possible to form the basket.
- Use 3 inches as a starting point for a pot about 5½ inches wide, but adjust the spacing as needed to fit your actual pot.
- After completing the first connecting row, place your pot inside the hanger and adjust the spacing if needed before continuing to ensure a secure fit.
Make the second row of alternating square knots
- Move about 3 inches below the first connecting row and tie another round of square knots, this time including the center anchor cord from the previous grouping so each knot is made around three anchor cords.
- Repeat this all the way around to complete the second connecting row, creating a basket with three distinct sections and a pocket ready to hold the pot.
It's a hanger now
The four straps are joined into a cradle. Drop your pot in and check it sits level.
Two steps left.
Finishing
Steps 7-8 close the bottom, test the fit and trim.
Finish the bottom with another gathering knot
- Measure about 3 inches below the last row of square knots, gather all the remaining cords, and use the second 50 cm cord to tie another gathering knot to close the bottom of the basket.
- Before trimming the cords, adjust the gathering knot and lightly tug the anchor cords so everything hangs evenly and looks centered.
Test the finished Beaded Plant Hanger and trim the fringe
- Place the pot into the finished hanger to make sure it fits securely, adjusting the cords if needed until the hanger sits evenly.
- Once you're happy with the fit, trim the bottom cords to an even length or leave them uneven for a more natural finish to complete the Beaded Plant Hanger.
Hang it up
Four braided straps, 36 beads on a rhythm, and a basket that holds a 5–6" pot. Find it a hook.
Show us — tag #BochiknotPlantHanger on Instagram.
Which Pots Fit
The basket is sized for a standard 5–6 inch pot. Here's how that maps to what's actually on garden centre shelves:
| Pot size | Fit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4" (10 cm) | Too small | Slips through. Add a third basket row to tighten the cradle. |
| 5" (13 cm) | Good | The sample uses about 5½". |
| 6" (15 cm) | Good — the upper limit | Sits snugly. Ideal weight for 4mm cord. |
| 7"+ (18 cm+) | Too large | Widen the basket spacing and size up to 5mm cord for the weight. |
Test at Step 4, not Step 8. The basket spacing is set in Phase 2 — once the second row is knotted, adjusting means undoing both rows. Keep the pot beside you.
On weight: a 6" pot with damp soil runs 4–6 lb. 4mm braided cord handles that comfortably. Beyond a 7" pot, size the cord up rather than trusting the knots.
Ways to Customize It
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
| Problem | Cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Straps came out different lengths | Cord ends weren't even at Step 1. Check alignment before the top gathering knot goes on — it's the one point where this is fixable. |
| Pot sits at an angle | The basket rows aren't level. Both alternating square knot rows need to sit at matching heights on all four straps. Undo and re-level. |
| Beads won't slide on | The hole is too small for braided cord. 5mm minimum for 4mm hollow braided — thinner holes work with single-strand but not this. |
| Wave knots look flat, not braided | Usually cord choice. Single-strand and 3-ply flatten out. Hollow braided holds the curve — it's the whole reason for it here. |
| A strap twisted the wrong way | Caught at Step 3 if you check all four columns face the same direction. Invisible now, obvious once the pot is in. |
| Ran out of cord mid-strap | Wave knots eat more cord than square knots. Use the 5–6× multiplier from the cord section, not the standard 4×. There's no clean way to join mid-strap. |
| Pot slips through the basket | Either the pot is under 5", or one basket row was skipped. Two rows minimum — one row won't cradle. |
| Bead spacing looks random | The rhythm drifted between straps. Count to the same interval on every strap — every third knot, all four. |
Try These Next
🔗 More from the plant hanger collection:
- Plant hanger with beads — the classic square-knot beaded version
- 5 ways to start a plant hanger — mounting methods, with or without a ring
- 6 simple knots, one plant hanger — the beginner build
- Tri-colour daisy plant hanger — colour blocking with a floral detail
🎨 Want a PDF pattern? Browse the macramé pattern library.
Prefer to buy finished? Handmade pieces are on our Etsy shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cord do I need for a macramé plant hanger?
For this hanger, about 30 metres of 4mm cord across two colours — four 380 cm and four 200 cm base strands, two 380 cm accent strands, and two 50 cm gathering cords. As a general formula, cut each cord at 4× the finished length for square knots, 5× for spirals, and 5–6× for wave or braided knots, then fold in half. Always round up: you can trim excess, but you can't add cord mid-strap.
Is this braided plant hanger suitable for beginners?
Yes, with one caveat. There's a single new knot to learn — the wave knot in Step 2 — and it takes a few attempts to click. Everything after that is repetition plus square knots most makers already know. If you've never made a plant hanger at all, the 6 simple knots version is a gentler starting point.
What is a wave knot in macramé?
A wave knot wraps a weaving cord around a bundle of anchor cords in a curving motion, producing a braided, slightly three-dimensional texture. Repeated down a strap it creates the rippled look this hanger is built on — and because the weaving cord passes around the outside, beads can be threaded onto it mid-knot.
How many beads do I need?
36 beads total — 9 per strap across four straps, following an every-third-knot rhythm. They need a hole of at least 5mm to pass over 4mm hollow braided cord. Denser spacing (every second knot) takes about 54; sparser (every fourth) about 27.
How often do the beads get added?
Every third wave knot. Two knots plain, one knot with a bead, repeat down the strap. Keep the rhythm identical across all four straps — mismatched spacing is what makes a hanger look accidental rather than designed.
Can I use a different macramé cord?
Hollow braided is strongly recommended here. It's flexible enough to curve into the wave shape and holds its form once tightened. Single-strand and 3-ply both flatten out, and the braided texture — the entire point of the design — largely disappears. If you do substitute, size down slightly, since hollow braided behaves like a thinner standard cord.
What size pot fits this plant hanger?
A standard 5–6 inch pot. The sample uses about 5½ inches. Below 5 inches the pot can slip through the basket; above 6 inches you'd want wider basket spacing and 5mm cord to carry the weight.
How long is the finished plant hanger?
About 33 inches long and 9 inches wide. To lengthen it, add roughly 100 cm to each long cord for every extra 10 inches of drop.
How much weight can it hold?
A 6-inch pot with damp soil runs about 4–6 lb, which 4mm braided cord handles comfortably. For anything heavier — a 7-inch pot or a dense ceramic planter — size the cord up rather than relying on the knots.
Why two cord colours?
The accent cord is what traces visibly through the braid. In a single colour the wave texture still exists but reads much softer, and the beads carry most of the visual interest. Buttercream with Natural & Gold is the combination shown here.
Can I make it without beads?
Yes. The wave knot straps stand on their own and the piece still reads as modern. You'd simply skip the threading step in the strap rhythm — nothing else changes.
What knots do I need to know?
Four: the wave knot (the braided strap texture), the square knot and alternating square knot (the basket), and the gathering knot (top and bottom). Only the wave knot is likely to be new.
How do I hang it safely?
Use a ceiling hook rated well above the loaded weight — a 6-inch pot with wet soil is 4–6 lb, so a 10 lb-rated hook gives sensible margin. Into a joist where possible; a drywall anchor rated for the load if not.
Can I make this longer for a high ceiling?
Yes. Add about 100 cm to each long cord per extra 10 inches of drop. The bead rhythm continues at the same interval, so a longer strap simply takes more beads — budget roughly 3 extra beads per strap per additional 10 inches.
Why does my hanger sit crooked?
Almost always the basket rows. Both rows of alternating square knots must sit at matching heights across all four straps. If one row is higher on a strap, the pot tilts. Undo that row and re-level it.
Can I sell plant hangers made from this pattern?
Yes. Wave knots, square knots and gathering knots are traditional techniques, not proprietary designs — anything you make is yours to sell. Please don't redistribute the tutorial itself.
How do I clean a macramé plant hanger?
Dust with a soft brush or a hair dryer on cool. For marks, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let it dry fully before rehanging. Don't submerge it — cotton stretches when wet and heavy.
Where can I buy the cord and beads used here?
The 4mm hollow braided cord, 2-inch wooden rings and large-hole metallic beads are all on Bochiknot.com, and supplies also ship from our Amazon US and Amazon Canada storefronts.
Keep Learning with Bochiknot (Plant Hangers)
5 Ways to Start a Plant Hanger
With or without a ring — the five mounting methods compared.
View tutorial
You Might Also Be Interested In
📸 Made one? Show us.
Tag #BochiknotPlantHanger on Instagram — Nicole loves seeing which colour pairings makers choose, and what ends up living in them.
About Nicole Woo
Nicole is the founder of Bochiknot and has been teaching macramé for 5+ years to a community of 100,000+ makers across YouTube, Instagram and Patreon. She specialises in beginner-friendly cotton cord projects that feel approachable no matter your skill level.
Join her on Patreon for exclusive patterns, or explore individual ebook patterns.
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